August 25 5:30 7th,8th and New Student Registration
August 26, First Day of School.
On study skills . . .
Some middle school teachers and parents complain about young adolescents' study skills. It's also worrisome to the middle schoolers, since they have already had years of reading, studying, and note taking and enduring tests and quizzes.
Teachers who have been reading about brain research have some data now that backs up their observations about middle school learning processes.
In the meantime, however, teachers unfamiliar with this research and parents who are used to a child who has "always done well until now" are frustrated and confused. What middle schools do to help parents and students is get them to embrace a new way of approaching study skills.
Use test taking as an example.
First, teach students to ask how the test will be formatted. Multiple choice requires less recall; true or false usually requires more detailed study; short answer means the student must have a clear understanding of connections; essay tests demand that a student have the big picture in mind.
Also, students should know if the test has many questions or few questions over a certain amount of material. For instance, if my test over the first chapter of a book has only 10 questions, I'm probably looking for larger ideas. If there are 25 questions, the students better know that chapter well.
Now that they know how the test is structured, students can begin to study appropriately.
Studying for a test should be an organized pursuit
. Some middle schoolers think that studying means looking over their notes. Others reread all the material in the text. Many rely on their short-term memory. Students need to be taught that preparing for a test is a paper and pencil thing for some; for others, there will be some saying things out loud; and for more and more young people today, such studying might require moving around the room. You and your child can find what works best. Some students need an adult to help keep them focused, others are fine independently. Some react to distractions. Most find it best to be without noise distractions.___________________________________
Talking to your middle schooler:
Clues for effective communication:
1. Give your full attention. Be an active listener.
2. Use eye contact.
3. Be alert to voice and body language.
4. Speak in "I" messages. ("I think; I'm disappointed; I'm concerned")
5. Avoid "you" messages. ("You shouldn't; You didn't").
6. Don't interrupt.
7. Avoid criticizing.
8. Stay calm.
9. Take time to think. Try, "I need to think about that before I answer". Take a breath, clear and focus your thoughts, then give your answer.
ROADBLOCKS TO COMMUNICATION
Ordering: You must . . . You will . . .
Threatening: If you don't, then . . .
Preaching: You should . . . You ought . . .
Lecturing: Here is why you're wrong . . .
Providing Answers: What I would do is . . . It would be best for you . . .
Judging: You are bad . . . (lazy, etc.) Your hair is too long . . .
Excusing: You'll feel better . . . It's not so bad . . .
Diagnosing: You're just trying to get attention . . . I know what you need . . .
Prying: Why? What? How? When?
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Stress and your child - It's a normal response to the
pressures of life. Stress prepares the body to react
to a challenge.
What happens during periods of stress?
A. muscles tighten
B. sugar flows
C. breathing quickens
D. digestion slows
If the problem is resolved, the body returns to normal. If the
problem is unresolved, stress will continue - and can build up over
time. Exhaustion, poor health and even mental illness can result.
Physical signs of stress Mental signs of stress
head and stomach aches crankiness, laziness
trembling anxiety, nervousness
teeth grinding poor eating habits
more accident-prone excessive TV watching
bedwetting sleeping problems, nightmares
How to manage stress
Deep breathing
6-second quieting response (smile, inhale slowly, exhale, tell yourself that your body is calm, go back to what you were doing)
Progressive muscle relaxation - slowly tense and relax muscles in the arms, legs, back, chest, shoulders, neck and face
Mediation - for older children - sit or lay down and relax for 10-20 minutes
Imagery - take a 10 minute visit to a quiet place in your mind. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and soothe yourself
Exercise - let off steam
Help your child become a flexible and confident adult
Encourage the ability to welcome change - not fear it
Stand back as your child tries to resolve problems. Later, praise the attempt to deal with the situation.
Leave time for daydreams and unstructured play. Free time is essential for emotional growth and good mental health.
Applaud success in all areas, not just in school or activities.
Set goals within a child's reach. Remember that a child is not a miniature adult. Try not to demand perfection, or compare one child to another.
Exercise together
Get enough rest
Eat right
Have quiet time
Get help if you need it
This information is only provided as a resource. For more
information consult a qualified professional.